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Easy French Onion Soup

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French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish made with caramelized onions, rich broth, and a golden, cheesy topping. This easy recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing the deep, savory flavors that make this soup a classic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive starter.

Ingredients

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For the Soup:

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

  • 4–6 slices of baguette, toasted
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or a mix of Gruyère and Swiss)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Make the Soup Base:

  1. Add the white wine (if using) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  2. Pour in the beef broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer the soup for 20–25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Topping:

  1. Preheat your broiler to high. Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
  2. Top each bowl with a toasted baguette slice and a generous handful of Gruyère cheese.
  3. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

  1. Serve the soup immediately, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • If you don’t have Gruyère, use mozzarella, provolone, or any melty cheese.
  • Toast the baguette slices beforehand to prevent them from becoming too soggy.

Find it online: https://ukfinda.com/easy-french-onion-soup/